Assessing eligibility for the 66% concessional study load for Austudy 010-04050040

Hema is studying a Bachelor of Applied Science (Optometry). Last year Hema failed a physics subject that is a prerequisite for several subjects in semester 1 this year. Hema is repeating this subject but cannot enrol in all of the normal second year subjects. As a result, Hema is only undertaking 71% of the normal full-time student load.

Hema is eligible for the 66% study load concession in semester one and so satisfies the activity test for Austudy. The subjects Hema couldn't undertake in semester one are prerequisites for subjects in semester two. As a result Hema can only undertake 74% of a normal full-time student load in semester two. Hema is again eligible for the 66% concession in semester 2.

John is studying a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Government and English Literature. John failed GT100, a core first year Government subject, last year and cannot enrol in second year Government subjects until it is passed. John proposes to retake GT100 this semester but as no other Government subjects can be done the study load will be 70% of the normal amount of full-time study.

John is not eligible for the 66% load concession. Although the failure in GT100 stops any Government subjects being done there is nothing stopping other Arts subjects be undertaken.

Sunny is about to complete a Diploma of Information Technology. Due to credits for previous study, only 73% of the normal full-time student load needs to be completed to meet all the requirements of the Diploma. However, there are extra elective subjects that could be selected.

Sunny is eligible for the 66% study load concession. Although additional subjects could be taken to increase the study load above 75%, this is not part of the normal requirements of the course and enough is already being done to complete the course this semester.

Glenda has received a letter from the academic registrar advising because of a poor academic record Glenda will be limited to 70% of the normal study load this semester.

Glenda is eligible for the 66% study load concession.

Emma is enrolled in a course at the local College of TAFE. Two weeks into the course the TAFE cancels several of the modules due to lack of student numbers. Emma's study load is now 73% of the normal amount for that course

Emma is eligible for the 66% study load concession. Three weeks into the course, one of the teaching staff quits and another module has to be cancelled. Emma's study load is now 65%. Emma's study load is now too low to meet the requirements of the 66% study load concession and will cease to be eligible for Austudy. Emma should be advised to either increase the study load (perhaps by undertaking complementary subjects from another course or another TAFE that can be counted towards her current course) or to apply for another form of income support (for example, JobSeeker Payment (JSP))